PANJIM: Urging the faithful and devotees to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the exemplary life of St Francis Xavier, the Bishop of Baroda Diocese Rev Sebastiao Mascarenhas, SFX, on Monday stressed the need for unity, forgiveness, peace and harmony love in a world marked by disputes, especially within the Catholic community.
Bishop Mascarenhas was delivering homily on the occasion of the feast of St Francis Xavier at Old Goa.
Bishop Mascarenhas began by highlighting Jesus' inclusive message that united people from all walks of life. He questioned the existence of disputes among Catholics, emphasising Jesus’ ability to bring people together without discrimination. He appealed to devotees to emulate Jesus and St Francis Xavier by fostering unity among themselves.
Drawing inspiration from the Biblical figure Jeremiah, Bishop Mascarenhas underscored the transformative power of experiencing God’s love. Just as Jeremiah’s life changed after encountering God, the Bishop encouraged the faithful to follow suit. He recounted the transformation of the apostles, who, despite being with Jesus, only experienced true change after the Holy Spirit descended upon them.
Referring to the teachings of St Paul, the Bishop advocated for internalising Christ’s ideas. He stressed that with Jesus in one’s heart nothing could harm or impede progress. The example of Virgin Mother Mary’s submission to God’s plan served as a powerful illustration of the profound impact of experiencing Jesus.
Acknowledging the difficulties in following Jesus’ path, the Bishop compared the challenges to those faced by the apostles. He emphasised the need to forgive, just as Jesus forgave even while hanging on the cross. The message was clear: forgiveness is the key to true peace.
Delving into the history of St Francis Xavier, Bishop Mascarenhas recounted his selfless mission to serve the poor and the sick in Goa. St Francis Xavier's commitment to education as a catalyst for change was highlighted, with many churches having schools today as a testament to his legacy. St Francis Xavier wanted to bring all people together.
The Bishop called on Catholics to live as Jesus did, fostering love, peace, harmony and forgiveness within their homes and communities. He emphasised the importance of small acts of kindness, drawing a parallel with the deeds of Mother Teresa. The message resonated - each person could contribute to a better world through simple and compassionate actions.
Reflecting on the fractured state of many families in the past, the Bishop underscored the importance of forgiveness in building strong and united families. He challenged the faithful to emulate St Francis Xavier’s deeds, becoming agents of positive change in their communities.
The Bishop concluded by emphasising the inseparable connection between God and humanity. He asserted that God’s love knew no discrimination and called on everyone to unite in a spirit of love, echoing the divine message of togetherness.
Bishop Mascarenhas delivered a powerful call to action, urging Catholics to embody the teachings of Jesus and follow in the footsteps of St Francis Xavier. The timeless message of unity, forgiveness, and love served as a guide for individuals to transform their lives and communities, fostering a world where everyone could celebrate the true feast of St Francis Xavier.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao welcomed and thanked all for participating in the main mass and informed that the decennial exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier will be held from November 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025.
Later rector of Basilica of Bom Jesus Fr Patricio Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks.